6 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (May 15)

2. Bryan's Big Beatdown

Much has been said about Daniel Bryan's loss to Rusev last week, but it was clearly done with a purpose. This wasn't the mindless flattening of a special star's momentum. It was done to present him in his natural role - the ultimate underdog - and the theme continued last night, with the former General Manager interviewed by Renee Young at the top of the show.

Where once Bryan was just "glad to be back," now, he demands more. Being an active wrestler isn't enough. "He wants to be on top," and even if he has to "scratch and claw to get there," he promised to once again become WWE Champion.

It was a typically fiery promo from one of the best talkers in the business, but the interruption was inevitable. Out came Big Cass, spitting a similar "dream's don't come true" narrative to recent weeks, while rubbing his foe's failings in his face. This prompted Daniel to action. He snapped when Cass brought up his family, attacked the seven-footer's surgically-repaired knee, then, after a prolonged assault, forced the big man to tap to a heel hook.

The crowd were all the way into this, and by selling it as a regrettable "snap," Bryan didn't come off unjustified. Cass is a rotten piece of s***. He's there to antagonise, and he lit a fire beneath Daniel last night, adding another dollop of heat to a feud that hasn't delivered in the ring, but has already served up several memorable angles.